SHILLONG, JAN 24: The newly formed Meghalaya Peoples Coal Traders Welfare Organization (MPCTWO) has alleged that a “high level group” of monopolizing the entire business from issuing challan to fixing the price at an exorbitant rate.
Addressing media persons on Monday, president of the MPCTWO John Rymbai said, “The coal business has come to a complete standstill and only (those part of) the high level are benefiting (from it).”
Rymbai said that he is not making wild allegations but there is such a group which identified itself as “high level”.
According to him, the high level group is a mix up society of politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen that is controlling the coal trade in the state.
He also alleged that the group is indulging in manipulation and charging at an exorbitant rate per challan.
“The coal traders are facing lots of problems particularly this year. On December 24, last year was our first transportation of coal and the cost of the challan ranges from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.30 lakh up to Beltola,” Rymbai said.
He also said over 100 challans have been issued for Dawki but export is yet to commence till now. This was despite the fact that Coal India Limited has already auctioned the coal since April, last year.
The president of the MPCTWO further alleged that challan were issued for 400-500 trucks but transportation of more than 3,000 vehicles are taking place.
“The standard operating procedure (SOP) issued as per the Supreme Court ruling was not at all followed. Therefore, the MPCTWO has been formed to look into the problems and welfare of the coal traders,” he said.
When asked, Rymbai said the presence of the high level group has caused huge revenue loss to the state government.
“If you go by proper auditing, the revenue loss is not less than Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore per month,” he claimed.
Informing that he would soon submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma after the Republic Day celebrations, Rymbai said, “We would seek his immediate intervention to stop this high level or whatever as we want that the state should get revenue and that the coal traders should also survive.”
He also warned that the organization would be compelled to resort to agitation or seek judicial intervention if the issue is not addressed by the state government at the earliest.
According to him, a copy of the memorandum would also be submitted to all respective superintendents of police (SPs) for necessary action.
By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours